Lawmakers just escorted Gov. Jim Douglas into the House chamber. Applause all around. Douglas opens his speech with flowery words about Vermont: "For centuries our people have been held by a faith in tomorrow, by the glory of God's gift: the promise of Vermont."
Then straight to an invitation to applaud members of the Vermont National Guard, with firefighters, police officers and emergency workers added for good measure. Lots of applause.
-- Candace Page